MSHA strongly recommends that mine operators take advantage of the new technology of proximity detection. This technology provides an additional level of safety to miners exposed to the hazard of working in proximity to remote control continuous mining machines.

MSHA partnered with manufacturers and mine operators to develop a proximity detection system. Each system has a warning and shutdown zone to assist mine operators in training miners to remain outside of the Red Zone of an energized remote control continuous mining machine.

(Note: The detection zones and features may vary between proximity detection system manufacturers.)

Since 1984, 29 miners have been fatally injured working near remote control continuous mining machines. However, 12 of the fatalities have occurred since 2000 and many more miners have been injured while working in proximity to remote control continuous mining machines. The trend for this type of fatality has increased (see chart below).

Here is the contact information for an MSHA-approved proximity detection systems: